Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Rob Gay doesn’t own a crystal ball, but the RDEK chair is anticipating another busy year in 2025 as he reflects on the board’s accomplishments in 2024.
He said that rural communities are thriving thanks to the tremendous efforts of all the volunteers who step up to support one another, including their friends and neighbours.
The board honoured several electoral area volunteers over the past few months: Terry Horton (Area A), Corlyn Haarstad (Area B), Allan Watson (Area C), Marilyn Bowen (Area E), Doug Sinclair (Area F), and Penny Powers who was posthumously awarded the Area G Volunteer of the Year.
Gay noted that hundreds of volunteers contribute to their community’s spirit through their dedication, energy, ideas, time, and talents.
“To each and every volunteer, thank you. Our region would not be what it is without you.”
The chair said it was an honour to see so many citizens in the region recognized for their community service as recipients of King Charles III Coronation medals, including Sparwood mayor and RDEK director David Wilks, and RDEK communications manager Loree Duczek.
Over the past year the region experienced a number of climate extremes with the cold snap last January and temperatures of -33 to a record high of 39.7 in Cranbrook in July. Once again this year, the region experienced damaging windstorms, heavy rain with localized flooding, drought conditions, low water levels and wildfire.
“In some way, each of us has been impacted by the climate in 2024 and it has again reminded me both of the incredible contribution of our emergency personnel and the importance of personal preparedness when it comes to being ready to respond to unexpected emergency events.”
Gay said they remain deeply grateful to all RDEK firefighters for their dedication and incredible service. He noted the East Kootenay FireSmart Program had another dynamic year with over 2,200 residents reached and 37 neighbourhoods certified.
“We commend everyone who is working to make their homes, properties and neighbourhoods more resilient to wildfire.”
The chair reported that following their spring recruitment drive and another busy wildfire season, the Regional Emergency Notification System saw tremendous uptake, with more than 23,500 residents now registered. This tool enables the region to notify residents in the event of an evacuation alert or order affecting their property in under two minutes.
“If you have not yet registered, please do.” You can learn more or sign up on www.rdek.bc.ca.
Gay reported that the regional district’s building team has been kept busy with over 335 building permits issued and 119 dwellings created (as of November 1).
Elsewhere, the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project in Fairmont is nearing final completion; a new short-term rental policy has been implemented with additional tools to increase compliance; the draft Climate Action Plan is in the review process; and work is progressing on a new Accessibility Plan.
As the board looks ahead to 2025, it will celebrate the opening of the Radium Transfer Station, see a new campground opened at Wycliffe Regional Park, adopt the Columbia Valley Active Transportation Plan, see the final completion of three organics receiving and processing facilities, and begin work on a new planning process to consider additional changes to zoning regulations related to secondary suites and accessory dwelling units.
Gay said staff will also begin work on modernizing their rural transfer station sites, and will continue to explore new options for the expansion of recycling services for residents and businesses.
He noted the long-term goal is to move away from the Yellow Bin Program, as the RDEK has to pay for every tonne collected in these bins, which is very expensive.
On the recreation side, the chair said the team at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere continues to do an excellent job of running and maintaining this important community asset.
Gay said the board continues to navigate the impacts of changes in provincial legislation that affect the region’s operations such as the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, short-term rental regulations, and regulations around building and housing.
“At the board level, we continue to focus efforts on meeting the objectives of our strategic plan, working to keep a balance between the cost of running our services and the impact on taxpayers and asset management.”
The chair takes his hat off to staff and their ongoing dedication to provide the best possible service to residents of the region.
To stay informed or provide input on active projects, Gay encourages people to visit engage.rdek.bc.ca or join the RDEK email group at rdek.bc.ca.
As the new year unfolds, Gay hopes everyone will consider adding three things to their new year’s resolutions: FireSmart their home and property (visit engage.rdek.bc.ca/firesmart for tips and links to additional resources); prepare their emergency grab-and-go kits; have and practise a family emergency plan; and pay it forward — be kind to others, volunteer and get involved in the community.
